Spring 2018

www.sugarcreek.k12.oh.us

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

Our Mission: Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools empowers our learning community to: Be responsible decision-makers and effective problem-solvers;Persevere in the achievement of life goals; Contribute to communities locally and beyond; and Embrace learning as a lifelong process

Volume 41 Issue 3

r. Douglas A. Cozad willjoin Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools asSuperintendent ofSchools, beginning July1, 2018. The Board of

Education approved his contractduring a special board meetingheld on January 31.Dr. Cozad takes the helm

from Dr. Keith St.Pierre, whoofficially retired on January 16, after 24 years assuperintendent.Dr. Cozad seeks to continue the excellence

already established by this district, while remainingfiscally responsible. “My vision is the school district’svision,” he said. “We all need to work together andmove in the same direction. Dr. St.Pierre and theBoard of Education have done a great job establish-ing this district as one of the best.”Having served the Franklin City School District as

Assistant Superintendent for the past four schoolyears, Dr. Cozad’s previous positions includePrincipal of Kettering Middle School (2009-14) andCentral Unit Principal at Kettering Fairmont HighSchool (2005-09). Dr Cozad began his educationalcareer in 1997, as a Social-Studies Teacher at

Northmont High School. He then becameNorthmont’s Supervisor of Technology for threeyears, beginning in 2002.Dr. Cozad received his bachelor’s degree in com-

prehensive secondary education from Wright StateUniversity in 1996, his master’s degree in education-al leadership from the University of Dayton in 2000,and his PhD in educational leadership fromNorthcentral University in 2011.Dr. Cozad currently serves on the Bellbrook

Strategic Planning Facilities subcommittee.Born and raised in a small-town atmosphere, Dr.

Cozad has a real sense of community and supportfor schools. He and his wife, Amy, have been mar-ried 23 years, living in Sugarcreek Township for thepast eight. They have four children. Alison, 21, grad-uated from Bellbrook High School (BHS) in 2013,and from the University of Dayton in 2016; she is alegislative aide for Senator Peggy Lehner. Zach, 20,graduated from BHS in 2016; he is a sophomore atSinclair Community College, studying business infor-mation systems. Daughter Chelsea, 18, will graduatefrom BHS this year and plans on attending MiamiUniversity, with a major in international business.Drew, 11, is a sixth-grade student at BellbrookMiddle School.

D

BHS Winter Sports Wrap, Seniors sign Letters of Intent Page 2 Future Chefs compete at BCI Page 3 District Employees retiring Page 4 BMS designated Ohio School To Watch for Third Time Page 5

Bellbrook High School

This year Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools nom-inated Nicholas Studios (photography), Sodexo(food service), Bellbrook Police (law enforce-ment) and Sugarcreek Township Police (lawenforcement) for the Ohio School BoardsAssociation’s (OSBA’s) Business Honor Roll pro-gram.Businesses large and small play a key role in

supporting the community and local schools.OSBA wants to help districts recognize andthank those businesses for their support andsuperior service.OSBA sponsors the annual event, at which

Ohio school districts submit their selections tobe featured in the OSBA Journal. The full list ofhonorees will be posted on the association’swebsite.

Cozad Begins Duties July 1

Dr. DougCozad

JoeyDerrico

Keep in Touch AlumniDinner, HOF InductionOn June 2, 2018, the

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek EducationFoundation (BSEF) will inductfour members into theBellbrook-Sugarcreek Hall ofFame’s 12th class (Dr. Keith St.Pierre, Sheila Woody, JasonTincher and Athena Haus) dur-ing the annual Alumni Dinner.More information on Page 6.

Class of 2018: Co-valedictorian

AbbySchultz

Class of 2018: Co-valedictorian

AndrewHaberlandt

Class of 2018: Salutatorian

District Honors Local Businesses Continued on Page 3

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Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

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2017-18 School CalendarMay 22 – Greene County Career Center graduation(7 pm, Nutter Center)May 23 – Senior recognition (8:30 am, BellbrookHigh School auditorium)May 26 – Bellbrook High School graduation (10 am,Kettering Trent Arena)May 28 – No school/Memorial DayJune 1 – One-hour early dismissal K-12/last day forstudentsJune 2 – Alumni Dinner/HOF Induction at BellbrookMiddle School (6 p.m.)

Ten Bellbrook High School (BHS) students recentlysigned national letters of intent to play collegiate sports!The seniors signed their letters of intent in front of an ener-getic crowd during halftime at a varsity basketball game onFebruary 10, 2018. • Cassidy Bereda – women’s soccer at Tennessee Tech

University (NCAA DI)• Cody Bybee – men’s swimming at Arizona State

University (NCAA DI)• Gavin Ferrin – men’s soccer at Alderson Broaddus

University (NCAA DII)• Cole Huggard – men’s swimming at University of the

Cumberlands (NAIA)• Megan Jauss – women’s lacrosse at Ohio Northern

University (NCAA DIII)• Christopher Ljungren – baseball at Wilmington College

(NCAA DIII)• Lauren Redfern – women’s lacrosse at Marietta

College (NCAA DIII)• John Sampson – men’s swimming at The Ohio State

University (NCAA DI)• Audrey Spirk – women’s soccer at Ohio Northern

University (NCAA DIII)• Bekah Vine – women’s soccer at Liberty University

(NCAA DI)“We are very proud to have 10 of our student athletes

continue their athletic careers into the college ranks,” saidBHS Athletic Director Tom Bean. “They will continue with asport they love and will also be getting a great collegeeducation.”By signing a letter of intent, student athletes agree to

attend a college or university for one academic year. Thecollege or university agrees to provide athletic financial aidfor one academic year. It is a binding commitment to theschool.

Spring coaches:•Baseball – head coach Rich Demko•Softball – head coach Angela Cook•Boys’ tennis – head coach Karen Haviland•Boys’ and girls’ track and field – head coaches Blake Barnes andCharlie O’Dell•Boys’ and girls’ lacrosse – head coaches Jeff Chew and VinceMolseedSpring awards night: May 22, 2018 (7 pm, Bellbrook High School) Athletic-office hours: 8:30 am-4 pm (school days only)Athletic schedules: Now ALL ONLINE Go to www.sugarcreek.k12.oh.usClick on one of the following:•Athletics > BHS – Athletic Department > rSchoolToday•Athletics > BHS – Athletic Department > Athletic Schedules (BHS)

Bellbrook High School Athletic Update/Info

BHS Senior AthletesMake College

Commitments Official

This year’s girls’ basketball team stayed strong to become district andregional champions, which made them state bound! The Lady GoldenEagles varsity team made it to the Final Four at the Schottenstein Centerin Columbus, in the Division II state championships. They played a greatgame, but lost in the final quarter to Gilmour Academy (47-40).The cheerleading squads had another productive and successful sea-

son that finished in Columbus for the competition team. The girls qualifiedfor the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state champi-onships and continued to improve their placement at the state meet.The boys’ and girls’ swim and dive teams once again had a record-

breaking year. The boys won the Southwestern Buckeye League (SWBL)for the first time since 2005, while the girls placed third. The team sentfive swimmers to the state championships, placing to tie a school recordof fourth in Division II team standings. John Sampson (12th) defended hisstate-champion title in the 100-meter backstroke, and Cody Bybee (12th)finished the meet as state champion for a third year in both the 100-meterbutterfly and the 200-meter freestyle. The 200-meter medley relay ofCody Bybee, Carter Caldwell (11th), Cole Huggard (12th) and JohnSampson earned state runner-up.Even though the wrestling team is very young, it had one state qualifier

this year in Ben Sherrill (12th) and finished in sixth place at the OHSAAstate championships.The boys’ basketball team had a strong season, winning the SWBL!

For the OHSAA tournament, the team entered one of the toughestDivision II sectionals in the entire state. The Golden Eagles lost in thesecond round, versus Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (CJ), butfinished strong against a very talented team.Congratulations to all of our student athletes on a stellar season!

BHS Winter Sports Recap

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

www.sugarcreek.k12.oh.us 3

The BridgeSpring 2018

Volume 41, Issue 3Published Quarterly

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools3757 Upper Bellbrook Rd.Bellbrook, Ohio 45305

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek SchoolsBoard of Education Office3757 Upper Bellbrook Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-6251/848-4800

Bel lbrook High School3737 Upper Bellbrook Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-3737

Bel lbrook Middle School3600 Feedwire Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-2141

Bel l Creek Intermediate3777 Upper Bellbrook Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-3777

Stephen Bel l Elementary4122 N. Linda Dr., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-7831

District Super Number848-5001 (to reach any school)

St. Pierre Education Center3757 Upper Bellbrook Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305P: 848-3757

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School’s Honors

District NumbersWhere to Call

2007, 2008,2012-2018

2011-2017Ranked 39th in Ohio andin the top 10% in the USA!

BellbrookMiddle School

District Employees RetiringBellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools will say

goodbye to five employees when they retireat the end of this school year. Those retiringare Jennifer Baker, first-grade teacher atStephen Bell Elementary; Brad Breese,Bellbrook High School math teacher; JeanElting, special-needs assistant at Bell CreekIntermediate; Monica Gregg, bus driver; andMrs. Cathy St.Pierre, seventh-grade science

and PE teacher at Bellbrook Middle School.Jack Hunt, Project Lead the Way instruc-

tor at Bellbrook High School, retired onMarch 1, 2018, after 22 years with the dis-trict.The community, Board of Education and

district personnel express their gratitude forthe combined 140 years of dedication andservice to the students in the district!

According to the Board of Education, Dr.Cozad is the best person to guide future districtefforts. “Dr. Cozad’s overall experience – andhis track record as an assistant superintendentand a principal – made him a strong candidatefrom the beginning,” said Mary Frantz, Board ofEducation President. “We believe he has theexpertise to work collaboratively with the Board,the staff and the community, to help establishan exemplary vision and direction for thefuture.”Dr. Jeff Lewis, Interim Superintendent, said,

“The interview process was part of a profes-sionally executed plan on the part of schoolleadership to seek the best candidate to followSuperintendent Dr. Keith St.Pierre.”“I am extremely honored to have been

selected as the next Superintendent ofBellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools. We have a longtradition of excellence; and I am looking forwardto the opportunity of working collaboratively, totake our already great school district to evenhigher levels,” said Dr. Cozad.

BCI 2018

Future Chefs Culinary Competitionat Bell Creek Intermediate

The Sixth AnnualSodexo Future Chefs com-petition was held on March15, 2018, at Bell CreekIntermediate.Future Chefs is a nation-

al program that encour-ages students to learnabout good nutrition bycreating their own fun, cre-ative and healthy recipes.Sodexo, the district’s foodservices provider, andJennifer Hoehn, General Manager for Sodexo, sponsored the event, which includedchef coats, hats and gift bags for all students, and a grand prize for the winner.Judging was based on originality, kid friendliness, ease of preparation, healthy attrib-

utes, plate presentation and taste. The grand-prize winner was Cheyeanne Duhl, for hersweet and sour soup recipe. Cheyeanne received a medal, a basket full of professionalcooking equipment, a camera, and a Fitbit® device.Nick Falzerano of Nicholas Studios created a recipe book for the 2018 competition.

Recipe books are available for $5. To purchase yours, contact Ms. Hoehn at 848-5001,ext. 16105; or email her at Jennifer.Hoehn@bss.k12.oh.us.

COZAD continued from Front Page

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BCI Wins Ohio Dept. of Education AwardBell Creek Intermediate (BCI) is an award-winning Purple Star

school, thanks to the exemplary efforts ofCounselor Kelley Anderson! The PurpleStar Award for military-friendly schools rec-ognizes schools that show a major com-mitment to students and families connect-ed to our nation’s military. Schools thatearn the award will receive a specialPurple Star recognition to display onsite.

The Ohio Department of Education presents this award to schoolsthat have completed required and optional activities. Congratulations,BCI, for showing a major commitment to serving students and familiesconnected to our nation’s armed forces.

Stephen Bell Students Break Record!Students at Stephen Bell Elementary participated in the school’s

Jump Rope for Heart fundraising program for the American HeartAssociation, raising a total of $19,463.53 for the cause. They broketheir own collection record by over $5,000 this year!

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest, largest volun-tary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases andstroke.

In their physical-education classes, students learned ways to keeptheir own hearts strong and healthy. They also worked together toraise money to help others with heart-related conditions.

Substitute Bus Driver and Aides NeededBellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools is accepting applications for substitute

school-bus drivers and bus aides for morning and afternoon routes.Transportation Supervisor Bev Wetzel said, “We are looking for consci-entious, safe drivers and aides who care about kids to join our team oftransportation professionals.”

For more information contact Mrs. Wetzel at 848-5001, ext. 7101.Background checks, physical exam and on-board training arerequired.

BSEF Grant for Challenger MissionBellbrook Middle School seventh-grade students in Emily Cline’s,

Cathy St.Pierre’s and Jennifer St.Pierre’s science classes had a uniqueopportunity to visit the Challenger Learning Center of Dayton, wherethey participated in the mission Return to the Moon. The centerengages students and teachers in dynamic, hands-on exploration anddiscovery opportunities that strengthen knowledge in Science,Technology,Engineering andMathematics (STEM).It strives to inspire stu-dents to pursuecareers in these fields,and provides an out-let to learn and applyimportant life skills.

The three science teachers would like to thank the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Education Foundation (BSEF) for the grant of $5,330,which fully funded the trip and transportation to the ChallengerLearning Center of Dayton.

BCI Fifth-Grade Choir to Fill Fifth Third Field With SongThe Bell Creek Intermediate (BCI) fifth-grade choir was the first

group to perform dur-ing the Dayton DailyNews/Dayton Dragonsnational-anthem tryoutsin February 2018. Whilethere was an over-whelming response forthe tryouts, the BCIchoir was chosen to sing at the Dayton Dragons game on May 22!

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools’ United Way Campaign a Success!Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools has supported the United Way of the

Greater Dayton Area by pledging almost $3,000! The organization’smission is to create community-based and community-led solutionsthat strengthen the health, education and financial stability of thecommunity.

Nick Edwards, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area board chairand Bellbrook resident, said, “The faculty and staff at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools are the epitome of caring individuals who realizethe value of giving to those in need and the benefits that their contri-butions can make in both the classroom and the community.”

BHS Senior Receives All-Scholastic Honor for Greene CountyOn Wednesday, April 18, Eva Hanson, a senior at Bellbrook High

School, traveled to Columbus to receive the 28th annual Franklin B.Walter All-Scholastic Award!

The award program wasestablished by the OhioEducational Service CenterAssociation (OESCA) to promoteand recognize outstanding aca-demic achievement. Only onesenior from each county in Ohioreceives this $500 award and honor each year.

Great Year for BCI Math PentathlonThe fifth-grade Math Pentathlon team at Bell Creek Intermediate

(BCI) was a great success! The BCI team found itself competing at thetournament, with over 550 students; and 55 percent of the teammembers earned medals.

Math Pentathlon uses problem-solving games to make math enjoy-able for all. It is a highly motivational way for students to gain mathfluency and logical reasoning.

Teacher Accomplishes Four-Year Professional-License ProjectKayla Bruggeman has completed a four-year Ohio Resident

Educator project. Her service-learning ideas and activities came to lifeat the Bellbrook Senior Center.

The Ohio Resident Educator program began in 2011. The compre-hensive, four-year initiative assists beginning teachers with mentoringand professional development as they start their education careers.

Did You Know

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

5www.sugarcreek.k12.oh.us

BMS Continues to Be an Ohio School to Watch for Outstanding AchievementBellbrook Middle School (BMS) has been redesignated an Ohio School to Watch (OSTW)

for the third time!OSTW is a recognition and capacity-building program designed especially for middle-

grades schools. OSTW is a partnership among the Ohio Department of Education, the OhioFederation of Teachers, the Ohio Middle School Association and Otterbein University. OSTWis the state affiliate of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform’s NationalSchools to Watch program. As a “State to Watch,” Ohio recreated the National Schools toWatch program, to address its unique context.

The National Forum is an alliance of educators, researchers, national associations and offi-cers of professional associations and foundations committed to promoting the academic per-formance and healthy development of young adolescents. The National Forum, whichdeveloped the original Schools to Watch criteria, serves Ohio as a source of inspiration andexpertise.

BMS’s year-three OSTW redesignation is a reflection on the challenges and progress madeover the last three years. As part of the redesignation process, BMS received a site visit, to ver-ify the data in the school’s redesignation application. A team spent a day visiting every class-room and looking at programs, curriculum and organization.

The OSTW program seeks to recognize a small number of diverse, high-performing,growth-oriented middle-grades schools, to demonstrate what all middle-grades schools arecapable of achieving.

Safety Planning at Bellbrook-Sugarcreek SchoolsFollowing the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012,

Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer chal-lenged local first responders, mental-healthexperts and school officials to create active-shooter protocols in their respective areas.Leaders from across Greene County, led byCommander Mike Hild (Greene County CareerCenter instructor), met regularly to establishthese response measures. The planning teamsmet as both a full group and separate entitiesover a two-year period, until these protocolswere established. The group continues to meetto review these standards and discuss areas ofimprovement.As work on Sheriff Fischer’s initiative was

concluded, the Department of Education, inconjunction with the Department of HomelandSecurity, required every Ohio school to com-plete a safety plan, comprising the actual plan,communication networks and a listing of keypersonnel. These are reviewed, discussed andupdated annually.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools maintains adedicated partnership with Greene County,Bellbrook and Sugarcreek Township firstresponders. To that end, fire and police chiefsand officers meet in two formal meetings withschool administrators every year. Meeting top-ics often include scheduling drills, as well asdiscussing new issues and challenges thathave emerged. Both Bellbrook and SugarcreekTownship police departments have worked dili-gently with school personnel on active-shooterresponse training, also known as ALICE (Alert,Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training.Bellbrook High School Assistant Principal DavidHann and members of Bellbrook andSugarcreek Township police departments havebeen trained in ALICE, in turn training ourteachers and classified personnel to counterthreats. Continuous efforts are and will continueto be made, to review processes with trainedstaff members and to train others (new teach-ers and classified groups) in ALICE. Further

collaboration with both police departments hasenhanced school security, with the assignmentof resource officers to each school.Student and staff safety are a primary

responsibility of our schools. To that end, entryvestibules have been fortified with bulletproofglass; exterior doors are locked down duringthe school day; portable radios are utilized in allschools; and numerous, modern security cam-eras provide clear surveillance of buildings andgrounds. Many of these upgrades were funded,in part, through an Ohio safety grant threeyears ago.We take any reported threats very seriously.

When reported and deemed appropriate, theyare investigated thoroughly by school adminis-trators and local law enforcement. We will con-tinue to work with our local law-enforcementagencies to ensure a safe and productivelearning environment for all Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools students and staff mem-bers.

BMS STEAM NightBellbrook Middle School recently held its annual STEAM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) night,for students and their families to explore and interact with manySTEAM-related activities.STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses access

points for guiding student inquiry. STEAM completes the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) package, byintegrating these principles in and through the arts. STEAM takesSTEM to the next level: It allows students to connect their learningin these critical areas together with arts practices, elements,design principles and standards, to provide the whole pallet oflearning at their disposal. STEAM removes limitations andreplaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry and innovation.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools

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On June 2, 2018, the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Education Foundation (BSEF)will induct four members into the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Hall of Fame’s 12th class: Dr.Keith St. Pierre, Sheila Woody, JasonTincher and Athena Haus.

Dr. Keith St.PierreNominated for his exemplary leadership

through much growth and change, Dr.Keith St.Pierre’s legacy is achieving stateand national recognition for educationalexcellence for Bellbrook-SugarcreekSchools.Dr. St.Pierre’s career in education began

in 1975. He first became Superintendent ofMiami East Local School District in 1989.

He became Superintendentof Bellbrook-SugarcreekSchools in 1994.

An adjunct pro-fessor of graduate coursesat the University of Daytonfrom 1998 to 2010, he hastaught – and continues toteach – at Miami Universityin Oxford for the past 22years.

During his tenure as Superintendent ofBellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools, Dr.St.Pierre led the district in the developmentand implementation of a dynamic strategicplan, whereby the school learning commu-nity has embraced the needs of all stu-dents.Awards and recognitions include the

Ohio Educational Service Center’s LifetimeAchievement Award in 2016, Ohio SchoolBoards Association’s Superintendent of theYear in 2015, Martha Holden JenningsFoundation Nomination for OhioSuperintendent Outstanding PerformanceAward in 2004, Buckeye Association ofSchool Administrators’ Region 9 ExemplaryLeadership Award in 2001 and more.Dr. St.Pierre has been a member of the

Bellbrook Lions Club since 1995 and wasthe past president in 1998. He was alsochair of the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Chamberof Commerce by-laws and policy commit-tee.

Sheila WoodySheila Woody is well-respected for the

wealth of administrative experience thatshe brings to Bellbrook-Sugarcreek

Schools. She is an administrative profes-sional who is a valuable asset to theadministrative team.

A 1976 Bellbrook High Schoolgraduate, Mrs. Woody has committed 40

years of dedicated serviceto the students and staff ofher alma mater. Over thoseyears she has served assecretary to the assistantsuperintendent, CentralOffice secretary, threeyears as the transportationcoordinator and, for thepast 24 years, assistant tothe superintendent. She

attended the Sawyer School of Business in1978, and Sinclair Community College. Highlights of Mrs. Woody’s affiliations are

Bellbrook Music Boosters secretary;Educational Office Professionals of Ohio(EOPO) state membership chair (national)and student scholarship chair (statewide);and National Association of EducationalOffice Professionals (NAEOP), earningadvanced certification in the ProfessionalStandards program and CertifiedEducational Office Employee accreditationin 1998 (recertified in 2007). She served onthe district-wide strategic-planning commit-tees and Bellbrook-Sugarcreek LocalProfessional Development Committee(since 1999), also spending four years onthe Bellbrook-Sugarcreek EducationFoundation Hall of Fame Committee.Mrs. Woody is most proud of the estab-

lishment of the Michael E. WoodyScholarship through the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Education Foundation, whichoffers a $1,000 college scholarship eachyear to a local graduating senior enteringthe field of education, history or pre-law.

Jason TincherDuring his extensive coaching career,

Jason Tincher has demonstrated a passionfor seeing students excel on the field. He is

a true promoter of Bellbrook-SugarcreekSchools, with an attitude of putting his stu-dents and athletes first. Mr. Tincher isknown for going above and beyond, tobuild solid and successful programs thatput students in a position to succeed.A 1990 Bellbrook High School alumnus,

Mr. Tincher began his teaching career in1995, as a health and physical-education(PE) teacher at McClain High School inGreenfield, Ohio. He came to Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools as a health and PEteacher at Bell Creek Intermediate in 2000,and since 2006 has been the health andPE teacher for Bellbrook Middle and Highschools.Mr. Tincher attended Wilmington College,

receiving his bachelor of science, healthand physical education in 1995. He later

attended Antioch UniversityMcGregor, earning his mas-ter of education in 2009.During his college career,

he played basketball andfootball, earning the 1994NCAA First Team All-American, 1994 NCAA Div.III Football StatisticalChampion with 9.4 recep-tions per game, 1994 sec-

ond in the nation with 144.2 receiving yardsper game and 1994 Wilmington Collegeand Mideast Colleges record: receptions(85) and receiving yards (1,298).Mr. Tincher has coordinated and served

in many community and school-relatedactivities, such as coordinator of BellbrookGirls’ Basketball Summer Youth Camp;founder of the Gayle Lynn JoynerFoundation “pink” basketball game, donat-ing up to $3,000 per year to local organiza-tions to help fight breast cancer; and more.He is proud to have had the opportunity

to be the head coach of the girls’ basketballprogram for the past 14 years, especiallygetting the program back to the state FinalFour.Mr. Tincher said, “The most valuable

aspect of my education from Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools is the teachers, princi-pals and coaches whom I was fortunate tohave in my life. I graduated wanting to pur-sue education and coaching because of mypositive experiences at Bellbrook.” He com-pliments teachers and coaches JoeAbbinante, Chris Baker, Iris Black, GinnyGreene, Bob Mayberry and Bob Reardon,who inspired him to be better – not just onthe field or the court, but in life.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Hall of Fame

SheilaWoody

Dr. Keith St. Pierre

JasonTincher

Class of 2018announced

Keep in Touch AlumniDinner/Hall of Fame Induction

When: June 2 @ 6 pm at Bellbrook Middle School

Cost: Dinner $20 a person,$5 Child 6 and under

Reservations: Call 848-5001,ext. 6110, for more informationor to make your reservation.

Continued on next page

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VanBrackel Wins The Big Hoopla STEM Teacher of the Year AwardThe Big Hoopla, in conjunction with Chaminade Julienne

Catholic High School (CJ), announced the first-ever winner ofThe Big Hoopla STEM Teacher of the Year Award in February2018, naming Dee VanBrackel as the recipient. Ms.VanBrackel is the K-5 Science, Technology, Engineering andMathematics (STEM) teacher at Stephen Bell Elementary andBell Creek Intermediate schools.

Ms. VanBrackel was chosen from more than 50 submis-sions for the award. She was selected for her enthusiasm forSTEM in the classroom and the Dayton community. Ms.VanBrackel worked with retired engineers and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Educational Outreach office tospearhead a STEM night for students. Additionally she spends many Saturdays volunteering at the Dayton Regional STEM Center forScience.

This award recognizes the great contributions of teachers in STEM fields in the Dayton region. The program honors teacher excellence.As STEM Teacher of the Year, Ms. VanBrackel received a $1,000 grant from the local organizing committee and CJ, to be used to

improve STEM learning in the classroom; an official The Big Hoopla STEM Teacher of the Year plaque; 50 upper-arena tickets for all FirstFour March Madness games; and four Hoopla Central VIP passes.

Athena Haus For Athena Haus it isn’t all about

applause; it is all about paws. A BellbrookFire Department retiree after 25 years, Mrs.Haus owns and operates K9 Karma, a com-passionate and caring canine training pro-gram in Bellbrook, training working dogs,service animals and traditional pets.A member of the Bellbrook High School

Class of 1990, she attributes her success inlife to two teachers who served as mentors:Kathy Kingston and Mike Woody. “Theexperiences I gained in their classes andbecause of the guidance that they bothshared forever shaped my future,” she said.Her future came in the form of serving

her community as a volunteer for theBellbrook Fire Department in 1992. Mrs.

Haus served in that capacity until becominga career firefighter and paramedic. She was

the first woman to hold aBellbrook Fire Departmentcareer position. In 2004,she was promoted tocareer lieutenant; and atthe time of her retirement inJanuary 2018, she worethe rank of captain, havingearned over a dozenawards. She also servedas a tactical medic on the

Greene County Special Weapons andTactics (SWAT) team and was a caninehandler for the Urban Search and Rescueteam with the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA), deploying

with her dogs to various disasters, bothlocally and across the nation.For Mrs. Haus, community service is a

family affair. Her husband, Tom, is a LosAngeles City fire captain. He commutesbetween California and Ohio and supportsboth communities. Her grandfather servedin the U.S. Navy and as the Bellbrookpolice chief. Her parents both served in theAir Force and as members of the BellbrookFire Department, while her three brothersall served at one time with the BellbrookFire Department.“So many opportunities have been

afforded me by my service to others,” saidMrs. Haus. “Outreach and prevention con-tinue to be a part of my daily life, and it hasbeen an honor to serve the community.”

AthenaHaus

Seniors Helping Seniors Group

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NONPROFIT ORGU.S. Postage

PaidDayton, OH

Permit No. 620

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools3757 Upper Bellbrook RoadBellbrook, OH 45305

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BMS Science Fair, WestDistrict Science DayScience teachers Cathy St.Pierre and Jennifer St.Pierre of

Bellbrook Middle School (BMS) coordinated the 2017-18Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools District Science Fair. As in yearspast, the event proved a huge success, with 68 students pre-senting their science projects to the judges. Forty-six studentsearned Superior ratings and qualified to participate in WestDistrict Science Day.A total of 30 students participated in West District Science

Day, hosted by Central State University in March 2018. WestDistrict Science Day, for grades five through 12, is the largest inOhio.Twenty-one students earned Superior judges’ ratings at West

District Science Day, nine earned Excellent ratings, and 21 quali-fied to advance to State Science Day, to be held at The OhioState University in May. One student was selected for theBuckeye Science and Engineering Fair, and nine students won atotal of 14 special awards.Mrs. St.Pierre said, “I am very proud of our students. They

bring great honor to BMS and the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek commu-nity. Our young scientists have worked very hard, and it shows!”

Science Pictures

Sugar Maple Festival